Effects of Ammonia produced in litter while Poultry Management & its control (Both Broiler & Layer)

7th Sept13 Hanuman Junction.

Sneha Farms Pvt. Ltd. Dr. Praveen Gujrathi.

Effects of Ammonia:Commercial poultry now a days in total confinement. Therefore, health and well-being of birds greatly influenced by air quality.
Air pollutants such as ammonia & dust are associated with an increased incidence of respiratory diseases. The incidence of respiratory diseases is higher in winter, when less ventilation results in more air pollution

Ammonia production in a poultry house depends on :1. Inadequate Ventilation 2. Wet Litter (Increased Moisture)

1. Inadequate Ventilation :Improper ventilation leads to wet litter. Ammonia fumes develop in wet litter & droppings. If ventilation is poor & fumes accumulate at higher concentration which prevent growth & performance, cause eye changes, and aggravate respiratory infections.
2. Wet Litter:When litter moisture maintained between 20-25%, ammonia usually not produced. Ammonia production starts when moisture exceeds 30% and increases further as temperature rises. Wet litter exposes to more coccidiosis. This is because wet litter favours development of coccidial oocysts. Wet litter also results in soiling of birds and eggs, and in poor performance.

How is ammonia produced :When litter is wet (high moisture content), urate-splitting bacteria present in the litter, produce fermentation of the urates in the faeces under warm, moist conditions.
This leads to production of ammonia in the house.

Ammonia concentrations are increased by moisture, high temperature, overcrowding & poor ventilation.
In most cases, excess ammonia in a broiler house is due to wet litter and insufficient ventilation

How does ammonia produce harmful effects :Ammonia (NH3) is a gas. It is highly soluble in water.
When it comes in contact with mucous membrane of respiratory tract (Cilia- minute hair like processes) after inhalation or in contact with eyes, it dissolves in the liquid (that is mucus of respiratory tract) to produce ammonium hydroxide (NH3 + H2O.NH4OH), that is solution of ammonium gas in water. Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH) is an irritating alkali and is responsible for damage caused

What are the harmful effects of ammonia? :Ammonia levels should be less than 25ppm (parts per million), but in poorly ventilated litter-type houses, ammonia may exceed 100ppm. 1. When concentration of ammonia is greater than 25ppm it may have following effects:a. Ammonia damages respiratory system & promotes to infection:- Such as colibacillosis (that is E. coli infection), infectious coryza, and Ranikhet disease. b. Depresses growth rate by 4 to 8%:- this increases feed conversion ratio by 3 to 6% in broilers. c. Reduces appetite.

2. When concentration is greater than 50 ppm :a. Defense mechanism of respiratory tract (Cilia) is destroyed, the birds become more susceptible to respiratory infections. Example- inhaled E. coli grows and produce disease, favours severe respiratory diseases associated with respiratory pathogens. (disease producing organisms) b. Ammonia also reduces body weight & feed efficiency.

3. When concentration of ammonia is greater than 75 ppm:a. Ammonia reduces food consumption & growth rate. b. Egg production may also be affected c. At levels of 75-100 ppm, there may be haemorrhages in trachea & bronchi (respiratory tract)

4. When concentration is greater than 100 ppm :a. Ammonia in concentration of 150 ppm & above sometimes causes ammonia blindness also known as ammonia burn in broilers. b. Affected birds keep their eyes closed, with ruffled feathers, and are reluctant to move. c. Affected birds donot eat & become weak. d. In extreme cases corneal ulceration causing permanent damage & impaired vision. The human nose is able to detect ammonia levels at around 20 ppm. Ammonia concentration of just 5 ppm (undetectable by human nose) have been shown to irritate & injure protective lining of the chicks respiratory tract, causing increased susceptibility to respiratory disease.

Effects of ammonia on people and chickens:Ammonia (PPM) People

Drop in egg Production

Chickens
Weight loss lesions
No loss No loss

Respiratory Lesions
Slight Slight

Eye
No changes No changes

20 25-30 50-60 100 200

Very slight smell Very slight smell Increasing smell Eye & nose irritation Eye & nose irritation

No drop No drop No drop

+ ++ +++

+ + ++

+ + ++

+ ++

Prevention:1. Keep the ammonia level of the poultry house less than 25 ppm :- when litter moisture maintained between 20-25%. Ammonia usually not produced. 2. Ensure proper ventilation :- During cold weather & during brooding period main function of ventilation system is to remove ammonia & moisture from broiler house. Many farmer underestimate the harmful effects of ammonia. 3. Ensure proper litter management :- Litter dries better, if it is stirred frequently. But in spite of all efforts, it may remain wet in rainy season, & to some extent, also in winter. If wetness & excess ammonia concentration persist, litter should be changed & ventilation improved.

Prevention:-

The key to reduce ammonia problem & ensure good air quality is to control moisture in the poultry house. Adequate ventilation to remove moisture & reduce humidity levels in the poultry house is the most effective method of ensuring good air quality.

Thank Q